So what’s the truth? The truth is that everyone’s hair is different, has different needs, and therefore everyone has to discover what is best for his or her own hair.

There are some basic facts that are true of all of us.

Here’s a piece of information that may help your understanding of hair health: every strand of hair on your head is technically dead. That’s right. It’s all dead. By the time hair emerges from the hair follicle on the scalp the cells that make up the hair have completed their life cycle. They’re hardened protein, which gives hair (and nails, incidentally) their durability. But this means hair strands aren’t continuing to receive nutrients or moisture from the body to build them or repair them. Hair continues to grow and hair strands lengthen, true, but because of new hair being created in the follicle and pushing old hair out.

Here’s another bit of data that is generally true about hair:

It grows at a rate of about half an inch per month.

Do the math. A strand of hair that is just 6 inches long is about one year old. If you have a mane that falls below your shoulders and is more than 12 inches long, the hair at the end is more than two years old. And it’s been dead for two years. With your hundreds of shampoos, blow drys, curling irons, and flat irons, together with sun, wind, and dirt, it’s taken a beating.

And that is why hair needs all the support you can give it to keep it looking fresh.

Dryness is the main culprit.

Dryness leads to a rough, scaly cuticle, a brittle texture, and a damaged look. Therefore, products that replace moisture, that protect the hair from drying out, are very important to maintaining healthy looking hair.

Conditioning hair after shampooing is good. Very good. Saturated hair allows the conditioner to penetrate better. But you’re still rinsing most of it out.

Styling products offer some protection, they’re good for supporting the hair and achieving desired looks. But they don’t necessarily add moisture or conditioning.

You need to be using a leave-in-conditioner.

To give your hair the moisture it needs, throughout the day, every day, and help it look it’s best, you need to be using a leave-in conditioner. As the name implies, this product is applied after you get out of the shower and is left in until the next time you wash your hair. Apply to damp hair and style as usual. If you’re fighting frizz or fly-aways you’ll find this step really helps.

The 2016 awards season has come and gone—when recognition for stars’ work is nearly overshadowed by how they look. That’s not a criticism; fashion can be entertaining, too.

Hair in Hollywood: Casual Goes Formal

One noteworthy hair trend on the red carpet was loose, natural waves (see Kate Winslet, Emily Blunt, Margot Robbie and best supporting actress winner Alicia Vikander at this year’s Academy Awards). The look, which is often called “beachy waves”, is of course not at all new in the everyday lives of women, but does run counter to the tradition of highly styled, buttoned-up hair we usually see at formal and red carpet events.

Fine Line Between Loose Locks and a Messy Mane

What’s not to love? The soft curls of this look are universally flattering, and the style is easy to achieve. Or is it? If you’ve tried the look before, you may have discovered that there is a fine line between simple, flowing locks that look natural…and an untouched mane that just looks messy.

When going for this fresh, lived-in look, a few styling tips will save you from veering off into sloppiness.

Split Ends Are Not Your Friends

The only solution for split ends is to cut them off. So if it’s been more than six to eight weeks since your last trim, see your stylist. If it’s been eight weeks, for example, your hair has grown about an inch! You can afford to take a little off.

Dryness Is Another Style Saboteur

Make sure you’re using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner right for your hair type. Try Caretrico Type H Shampoo for thick hair or Type S for fine hair, and Caretrico Privy Treatments. Treatment Slim Through for thicker hair and Treatment Moist Sleek for finer hair. Don’t shampoo too often; no more than twice per week. Consider eliminating one of your shampoos altogether and replacing it with just a good rinse and conditioning treatment.

Leave-in Conditioners and Moisturizers

Leave-in conditioners and moisturizers are also an important step to add moisture and smooth the hair. Try one of these two Arimino products to achieve a sleek look while also improving hair health: After Treatment Enrich Milk (with hyaluronic acid) for thicker hair, or Bamboo Moisture Veil for fine hair. Apply the product primarily to the mid-shaft and ends of the hair. You’ll be able to see and feel the difference.

If fighting frizz is a battle for your hair type, consider the additional step of a protectant, or coating product, for extra moisture and hold. A favorite is Arimino’s silky Aqua Moisture. A very small amount is sufficient: squeeze a drop onto your hand, rub palms together to warm the gel, then apply all over, especially where you fight frizz.

After a leave-in conditioner, lightly apply a holding product, such as gel or mousse. You won’t need much, but it helps maintain the finished look.

Styling

After all the prep work you’re ready to think about styling. Here’s the rule: the less handling the better. Touching the hair too much contributes to frizz. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, good for you. Simply rake your fingers through your hair (no brushing or combing which will remove curl) and then take a moment to encourage some curls with your fingers. Air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser. If diffusing, touch the hair as little as possible. Very important. If your hair is straight you can still have your waves but you’ll spend a little more time and need the assistance of a curling iron or flat iron. Here’s the rule for you: don’t make the curls too tight. You want more of a bend than an actual curl. And leave the ends out. Practice makes perfect.

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to enjoy the natural, free-flowing look of the stars and command your own red carpet attention. Good luck!